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Start the year strong: book your health check and make the most of your Extras cover

28 January 2026
Person looking at a calendar on their phone while drinking coffee.

January often feels like a fresh start. It’s when many of us start new routines, build healthier habits and tick off the health tasks we’ve been putting off. But there’s another reason this month is the perfect time to focus on your health – your nib Extras cover resets.

That means you get a fresh new annual limit on benefits like dental, optical, physio, chiro and a whole host of other everyday health services, depending on your policy. This makes it the perfect time to get proactive about your wellbeing while getting the most from your cover.

What exactly is an ‘extras reset’?

Extras cover (sometimes called ancillary cover) helps pay for health services outside the hospital. Think teeth cleaning, glasses or remedial massage. nib Extras policies reset 1 January, which means your limits for each services reset too.

Here’s something to keep in mind: if you didn’t use your full limit last year, it doesn’t roll over. When the new year starts, your balance resets. This gives you another 12 months to make the most of your Extras if you get cracking in January. Want to know what’s included this year? Log in to your member account to check your Extras cover.

January: the golden window for appointments

January can often be a quieter month for many healthcare providers, which means it can be easier to get the appointments you want at times that suit you.

As Luke Foster, Senior Manager of Clinical Operations at nib, explains, “It’s a great opportunity to book your check-ups before life gets busy again. Whether that’s your dentist, optometrist or physio, starting the year with a baseline health review can help you set (and stick to) your wellness goals.”

And while you’re there, it’s worth thinking about how your Extras cover can support your goals throughout the year. Perhaps regular remedial massages will help you clock up the kilometres on the running track. Or maybe your optical Extras will keep your eyes healthy when spending time looking at screens. Find a provider through the nib First Choice network.

Smart ways to use your extras early

If December rolled around last year and you realised you hadn’t used much of your Extras, you’re not alone. Planning ahead in January can help you avoid that last-minute rush. Here’s where to start:

  • Review your cover. Log into your member account to check what’s included and how much you can claim

  • Book your check-ups now. Routine appointments like dental and optical are easiest to schedule early in the year

  • Plan your ongoing treatments. If you see a physio, chiropractor or psychologist, set up a plan now to spread visits across the year

  • Explore telehealth options. Many nib providers offer online consultations, so you can manage your health from home or while travelling.

It pays to plan ahead

Being proactive with your health doesn’t just help you feel better – it can be financially smart too. By spreading your appointments across the year, you can make steady use of your benefits instead of scrambling at year’s end, when appointment wait times can spike.

Regular check-ups also help spot small issues before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems later, potentially meaning fewer surprise costs later. Luke says, “Using your Extras cover for preventative health means you’re not just reacting to illness – you’re actively supporting long-term wellbeing.” And with nib’s First Choice network, you can stretch your Extras further with lower out-of-pocket costs at selected providers.

Consider booking these basic checks:

  • Dental check and clean: Prevent gum disease and keep your smile healthy

  • Eye test: Check your vision and update your prescription if needed

  • Skin check: Especially important during the Australian summer

  • Physiotherapy or chiropractic: Ease tension and improve posture after the holiday break

  • Mental health check-in: A telehealth session with a psychologist or counsellor can help you start the year feeling supported.

Your health reset starts now

Remember, your health cover is there to support you all year round – not just in emergencies. So, if you’ve been meaning to book that check-up, make now that time.

Start the year feeling good, with a plan to keep it that way.

Ready to take the first step? Visit the nib First Choice network to find trusted local providers and book your next check-up.